Influence of chitosan coating and storage temperatures on postharvest quality of guava

The effect of chitosan coating on postharvest quality of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda fruits stored at room temperature, 12° and 8°C was investigated. The fruits were either treated with chitosan (1 and 2%), acetic acid 1% or untreated and various quality attributes were studied at the end of storage period. Among the different treatments and temperatures, the chitosan 1% treated fruits stored at 12°C had shown higher firmness, TSS, titratable acidity and maintained greenness with a slow increase in yellow colour by the end of storage life. Also, the total antioxidant capacity, total phenols and total flavonoids of these fruits were well maintained by the time they are full ripe. Chitosan 1% and storage temperature of 12°C can be used for extending the storage life of guava upto 21 days with least deterioration in postharvest quality.